Welcome to Verity Folk School

Bringing old-world folk ways to life in our modern day: traditional food, traditional handicraft and traditional skills.

Verity Folk School woman holding a chicken in front of echinacea

Hello, I’m Rachel

Welcome to Verity Folk School. I am truly grateful to have you here. This is where I share my passion for traditional living. Here you will find old-world recipes, handicraft tutorials and guidance for practicing traditional skills. You’re in the right place if you’d like to learn more about old-world folk ways, traditional values and living guided by God’s truth.

Verity Folk School woman wearing blue apron standing in a garden holding a basket filled with flowers

About Me

I am a homemaker and homesteader. I live with my husband in a quaint 1920’s bungalow on an acre in the Midwest. On my humble homestead you’ll find two curious cats, a flock of laying hens, geese and ducks, and gardens planted with herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables. In addition, you’re likely to find a stack of projects yet to be finished and jars of fermenting things on every shelf in the kitchen. This life can sure be chaotic and messy, but it’s a life I find truly satisfying.

Verity Folk School young woman wearing a blue dress in a garden

What Sparked my Love for Traditional Living?

I am an independent person by nature. And I have a constant thirst for knowledge. As a result I seem to always be in the midst of learning a new skill. I find real contentment when I do things myself. Above all I feel closer to God and gain a deeper understanding of His truth.

I am a trained herbalist, but am largely self-taught in all other traditional handicrafts and skills. It is always a process, and I am always growing. But nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment I feel when I provide for myself with my own two hands. Eating a tomato straight off the vine, sipping a cup of fresh peppermint tea, wearing my hand sewn and hand knitted garments… It’s an indescribable joy. And it makes me praise God.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 & Colossians 3:17

I believe that we are called to live simply, to work with our hands and to do our best to live in harmony with God’s creation. I believe that the home is sacred, that family is sacred, and that the work of tending those gifts is sacred. And I believe that all that we do is to be done for the glory of God.

Verity Folk School a woven basket filled with fresh herbs and flowers

A Few Facts About Me

My favorite food to make (and eat) is a recipe passed down from my Great Grandmother Hazel. It is a dish of homemade egg noodles served on top of mashed potatoes, with the meat from a whole chicken and a bone broth gravy. Get my family recipe here.
I have one complete historical outfit (except for shoes) that I made entirely by hand (no machines)! It consists of a linen shift under dress, a linen kirtle dress, a linen apron, wool knit stockings, a wool knit shawl and a wool knit hat.
I used to work as a bioregional clinical herbalist. I traveled the country to teach at herbalism conferences, and had my writings published in several herbal magazines and books.